Starting chemo August 2014
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oceanbreeze, hope your first time went well. I just did my first 8/8 and it was not bad at all during, and my SE vary, mostly just very tired. I take my ipad too, the more distraction the better for me. Be sure you eat and drink, and if they gave you anti nausea stuff, my tip is do not wait till or if you feel sick, take it before...great tip i got from a pharmacist on the unit! I only needed it for 2 days post tx. Update us soon and sleep well tonight...hugs!
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Good morning, everyone. Just starting first chemo infusion. Port access is working fine...just a bit tender when she first accessed it but so glad that it's working properly and that I have it (i have hard to find veins/natural redhead)
SEnding good vibes and hugs to everyone starting with me today...those of you recovering from yesterday and before. Will report back later with update on how things are going.
xoxoxo
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Jess1965 - glad it's going well so far! One hint the nurses gave me about the port - put a blob of EMLA cream about the size of a blob of toothpaste (the MO can prescribe it for you if you don't have it) about an hour or so ahead of time, and cover it with plastic wrap to keep it in place and protect your clothes.
I used a light layer of EMLA the first time around, and I could still feel the needle go in. Yesterday, I did the "blob" method, and couldn't feel a thing! Might be worth a try if you haven't already.
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Wizard50, thank you for the encouragement. I start
around 10:00am pst time for my first. Went to a support group last
nite, that really helped. One lady said to look at this as a cleansing,
a little insurance packet. So that helps. Oceanbreeze1818, thank you for keeping us informed trying to follow all those who go before to know what I am up against. Jess1965 thanks for the update and good luck with the rest of it. Gatomal, Kellya, Tabbygirl521, Kilin, thanks for the luck. Jetgal23 thank you as well for the update and would love the info on your pottery.I really appreciate the welcoming and reading the post they help so much.
Hope we all make it out the otherside - better, stronger and with little wear and tear.
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Hi Ladies -I wanted to check in with all of you and hope that everyone is doing as well as can be!
Sending postive thoughts to Jess1965 and Tabbygirl52 who have headed into and are heading into their first treatment!
KiLine - you are completely right about the Elma cream. I did not "blob" mine yesterday but did but a thick coat on and still feel a small pinch. Nurse told me next time blob away! Sinch and Seal wrap works wonders on covering the cream and port.
Jetgal23 - Hope your side effects have been minimal since yesterday!
My update - I guess you could say Day 2? I was fine all yesterday and into the evening. Did not have a huge amount of energy from the steriod but did feel more awake than not. Drank a ton of water and still am today. The one side effect I did have from the steriod was insomnia. I tossed and turned for most of the night and if I wasn't doing that I was getting up to go to the bathroom. I did manage to catch some sleep but not much. I am not going to jinx myself by saying no other side effects, but so far so good. I am preparing for the worse and hoping for the best! I did rinse my mouth out today with Biotene mouthwash.
I have been feeling pretty good all day today so far. I am working from home and have been handling it pretty well.
I actually took a break and just got back from the gym...30 mins with weights and 30 mins jog on the treadmill and can I tell you it felt good!!!! The whole time I was on the treadmill I was thinking about all of you and wanting to let you know that we will beat this! I just kept saying to myself (its my distraction when I jog to try and think of other stuff because I am not a fan of jogging I force myself...its a love hate thing!) I will get through this...you can try and tear my down cancer but I will build myself back up bigger and better to come at you....queue the Rocky theme song!
Please do not get me wrong...I do have many moments of doubt and of being scared but I do try my best to stay postive and just put one foot in front of the other. And coming on here and reading and writing to all of you ladies has truly helped me get through alot of scared moments.
Today I received the same email from two co-workers about a tropical storm that has evolved off of the coast of Eastern Pacific Coast - it was named Karina!
Now, I am a firm believer that fate has a way of working itself out and sometimes you receive "signs" when you need them the most. With that said I responded back to my two co-workers and jokingly said well if it is a tropical storm now you can bet it will be a Hurricane in no time if it is named after me! I sent the email to my mom (who also believes in signs and fate) and her response was dead on....she said isn't it ironic that no less that 24 hours after your first treatment a Tropical Storm that will turn into a Hurricane by Friday is named after you.....an omen that your strong and a force to be reckoned with in your latest adventure and that is exactly how I feel. As the saying goes -
She stood in the Storm & When the Wind Did Not Blow Her Way, She Adjusted her Sails
Stay postive my friends...every single one of you is in my thoughts and prayers everyday.
Karina
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I'm home from first round. Everything went fine. I'm very, very sleepy and have a really bad headache and my mouth is already very dry. I've been drinking lots and lots of water and ice.
It's so good coming on here and hearing how everyone else is doing. Sure makes you feel not alone. Whispered prayers for you all this morning and will continue.
My sweet son sent me a message this morning that said. "Today is the start to a new chapter that we will all conquer together!" As a single mom that means a lot yo me and so does this site. Hang in there everyone. We will win this battle!!
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Hey, everyone, here is my day 2 update.
I got the Neulasta shot (only half a dose, not sure why) late yesterday after work; that was uneventful, so went about the rest of our Wednesday activities, which was dinner and a Boy Scout meeting (my husband is the scoutmaster, so I am an assistant, since I want to do the fun stuff, too, like backpacking and ski trips...). I was tired by the time we got home & went to bed a little earlier than usual. Had to get up in 2 hours to take the meds. Then later to pee. Then did not want to get up, 40 minutes after my alarm. So, "working" through lunch today to make that up. We went for a half-hour walk yesterday at lunch, and plan to go again this afternoon. It's cooler & overcast today, so should be nice. I have a couple of appointments tomorrow, meeting w/ the surgeon to talk about the port placement in the morning, and an echo in the afternoon. Hope I'm up to all that and 4 hours of work on day 3. We are doing wilderness & remote first aid training this weekend with the scouts on a campout nearby. Hoping I am at least up to going for the days, even if I come home to sleep in the evenings. My husband and I are both being certified as trainers, so I don't want to miss out on that. But I will listen to my body and try not to overdo. I haven't been noticing the smelly SEs, really, except that I've been feeling like I smell different since my Dx, and also have been having hot flashes for the past few months, so might be peri-menopause and not a SE. My latest fear: it just hit me this morning, I really don't want to lose my hair! I have a habit since childhood of playing with it, twisting, rubbing a strand, etc. I don't know how I will be able to think, read, get to sleep without it! I got it cut shorter, in preparation, and the scouts are having a head-buzzing party next week for me, but I don't want to buzz it until I know for sure it's falling out! Maybe I will be the exception!?
Thanks, ladyb, for they update (preview?) and Mags for the encouragement. I love the cartoon, too. My brother posted that one on FB a while back but when I went back to look for it again I couldn't find it. Glad to have it again, it might end up my cover photo!
Warm fuzzies to those starting today & tomorrow! Busy day tomorrow, and hopefully a busy weekend, so may be off for a few days. Hoping everyone's SEs are minimal!
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Hope50 - so glad to hear things went well! Hang in there.. You got this! ☺
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This is day 6 post chemo for me and i am learning each day is an adventure. Today is metal taste day, yum! Also, raw mucuous membrane day and diarhea day. Damn. I was doing so well....meanwhile the fatigue continues. Well, not to complain but i want to complain! Glad for all those doing well...take care ladies!
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Hi Bippy- Will be starting chemo on the 28th Taxatore/ cytoxan 4X. just starting to learn what to expect, whats "raw mucuous membrane day?"
Thanks- just sorting through and trying to learn for all of you...thanks again for any help you can provide:)
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just woke up from a nap after round 1 today. So far, so good. Just a headache (like what's going on in this body?) and dry mouth already started. Feel a little queasy...I'm very sensitive to motion sickness and barfed like crazy in my first trimester of pregnancy ...my chemo nurse said that often there's a correlation (those who have those 2 issues might experience more nausea on chemo, etc). So I'm gonna take the meds to help quell that and hopefully keep it at bay.
My chemo nurse was a goddess, pure and simple. So grateful for the wonderful care I've been getting all the way round. This discussion board is so therapeutic too! Hope, hang in there ...hope your SEs continue to be very manageable. Tabbygirl, how are you doing today? Let us know!
Bippy, hope things improve. For what it's worth, my nurse told me that around a full week later is when blood counts take a dive...so more fatigue around then makes sense. Hopefully your body will fight back and you will get a boost of energy soon!
Stay strong everyone! We've got this!!! Xoxox
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oh and a question for all...
I'm experiencing some heartburn...what have any of you done about this? I'm doing A/C treatment right now...could be the steroids/nausea meds as well???
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sure---my onco says that my drippy, slightly bloody nose and raw throat, and digestive issues are from the iritation to those membranes from the chemo. Not serious, but really uncomfortable. Took a tylenol, some immodium, saline spray to nose and all better now! I missed that warning that this may happen so was just surprised. I am learning from here to drink lots of gatorade during and after chemo helps as does sucking ice during infusions, and will do that next time. This is the place to be for us! I am doing all the tips next time i can to minimize the SE. It is saviing my sanity. I get dose 2 on 8/29, so do not be scared, the actual infusions were a breeze for me and i may get a few more than you are getting. Be sure to bring a friend and or ipad, or a distraction....but i am sure you will have no troubles. Best!
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thanks, that explains it. Alot of what they said did not stick....thay gave me printouts but good lord i just did not want to read those!
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Thanks so much Bippy- hope tomorrow is a great day for you!!!!
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Hi Ladies, worked a full day today and my energy level actually lasted until about 4:00. Came home and made some chicken soup, going to freeze so I have food made for after next treatment. So glad to hear all the ladies comments who started treatment today. Hang in there, one day at a time. You got this! I did get some gum sensitivity this evening and ran to bathroom to brush and rinse w biotene. I remember when I was pregnant with both kids, that I had problems w my gums. I think I have to take extra care and was also told after eating to even rinse with salt water. I' m putting together quite the list of questions for my Dr visit on Monday. Hope he actually has some answers. I am meeting w pt care coordinator at hospital for 6 free stress and SE relief options, varying from massage, nutritionist and acupuncture. I am also going to the local hospital on the 26th where they offer health and wellness class and packets for cancer pts. Please inquire about this at your next Dr visit. I am planing on doing a long walk in a.m. tmrw since I'm off and some home yoga. Trying to keep my body strong in hopes for quicker recovery after each treatment. I am very positive that we are going to kick this cancer crap out of our bodies once and for all. I really appreciate reading your posts, and know that I am thinking of you all daily and fighting with you.
Cathie
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Hi everyone!Today was a really good day! I guess this is day 7, tomorrow marks one week! I am still having some BM issues and gas pain, but I started my morning with immodium and pepto and have stayed out of the bathroom all day!! I get waves of belly pain that last less than five minutes and that's it for my SE's!!! I am very excited and hope that I am SE free through til my next treatment. I am pushing it forward to the 2nd, so I may get two whole weeks feeling good before then! I am sending positive thoughts and good wishes to you all for a breezy end to the week! Hugs, Donna
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Dear Jess,
I had really bad heartburn and lots of burping from the steroids. I took CVS brand Zantac and it disappeared! Tums didn't work! Good luck!
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I saw my MO today and labs are normal and he said I'm doing great. We went over my SE and I told him I usually experience something new every day but the constant has been fatigue. He said I may experience fatigue through the weekend but should start feeling better next week.
Donna - I had the belly pain last night and today as well. Comes in waves and lasts a few minutes. It kept waking me up last night but it seems to have finally subsided this evening.
Other than the belly pain I have felt good today (chemo was a week ago today). Boyfriend and I went out to dinner and took a nice walk this evening. MO also said staying active does help with the fatigue.
Hoping everyone is feeling good tonight. Hugs to all
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I hit my week mark yesterday. I was able to begin some additional walking without extra effort. I might say I had a little pep to my step. I even made it through work today without coming home to totally crash. Taking it one-day and one step at a time.Nausea and Fatigue were my worse SEs on day4-6.Day 7 saw an upswing but I also stayed at home to work and didn’t go into the office.
Glad to read the good reports, the tips on the SEs and the encouragement.
Oceanbreeze and Wizard50: I needed to ready our post today as I thought how am I going to get through 3 more AC and then12 Taxol…wow. I had to check myself quickly. I believe that I will and can continue to live my life with the new “normal”. As the saying goes as I sail through this journey I have to learn to adjust the sails as things are blown into my path. I have to mental keep on keeping on while at the same time getting the needed rest my body required. I saw the below on a web page today and thought of this group. I said to myself our mantra “One Day At a time” we will do with
When we can’t pull ourselves we have others to support, encourage, vent or just discuss our family / personal plan.
I have to say I am with a very strong and supportive group.
Jess1965, Hope50, khillman9 . I will need to bring the cold drink that may help with my mouth SE
Tabbygirl52: thinking of you tomorrow
Elizabeth100: would love to hear from you.
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BTW, I updated the list. Please check to ensure I have everyone and correct date. I believe didi is TBD and will find out chemo start date tomorrow. Hugs to all
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Hello all, 1st post
starting adjuvant chemo on Aug 28,is anyone doing clinical trials? This was a suggestion to me.
Not sure if I should go wig shopping now or wait til my hair falls out
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I wish I could hug you all right now! I am snug in bed, gearing up for my first infusion tomorrow morning, and it gives me so much confidence when I read of everyone's determination to handle this, and keep on keepin' on, and kick cancer's butt!
Anyway, cyber hugs to all who are having SEs. Hope they pass quickly.
Jess, I am doing OK and really kind of ready to get going! I will report back tomorrow.
Ladyb, thank you! I appreciate the good wishes. It is great to read that you had a good walk after a few not so hot days. I have heard from my onc team and also from a friend who did chemo years ago that activity helps SEs so much. And many here have said so, too. It seems counterintuitive. But I remembered today that I got the same advice years ago when I did radiation tx. And it was true. I walked everyday and my energy level stayed quite high.
Everyone who is sharing coping tricks - thank you so much.
I want to respond to more posts, but should try to get some sleep. I should have a lot of time to post tomorrow during tx, right?
Best wishes to everyone. We can do this!!
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lady b,
Thanks so much for putting everything together on the list. That's a huge help for staying in touch with everyone. I will go back and read your earlier poss as the A/C combo really hit me after the big intravenous drugs wore off around 7:00 pm. I ate dinner (probably too cocky and had too much ...will ease into that from now on!). I had nausea, some vomiting for a couple hours. I did take the prescription anti-nausea meds staggered from then on (compazine and zofran). They seemed to have helped. My DH just woke me to take next installment so that I stay ahead of the nausea. I decided to take a Tylenol pm (nurse said ok)...that gave me a needed reprieve and I slept for several hours.
Got a bit of a rash from port tape (REALLY? The little things can seriously be the last straw !). Cortisone really helped that.
Donna, will get Zantac tomorrow. Thanks for the tip.
For my chemo infusion, my DH and 12 yo daughter went with me. She has been so great...and we are very close. She is an only child (all the good and bad that brings for her. : D ). It was tough for her to see me so sick tonight. I keep explaining that it's the chemo that's making me sick so that I can make sure that I'm kickin cancer to the curb! A few tears...which are necessary and healthy. Important not to bottle up all this intensity...especially when you're a kid, and a sensitive one to boot. Fortunately, I'm a big fan of being as authentic as possible even when life gets messy as hell...so we are
So with WIZArD with the ONE DAY AT A TIME. LOVED your inspiring post. Thank you!
I'm learning that there will be huge ups and downs, that this is the new normal, that I am much stronger than I ever thought, and that I will think harder about judging people...we just never know do we?
Sorry if there's TMI. I feel like this board can be a sort of diary for SEs so that I remember to tell my MO/nurse next time! Plus, if anyone has specifics tips, that will be most welcomed.
Thanks for listening. Am sending healing thoughts and prayers to you all. Sleep well, Jess
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oh and KiLin, I will definitely take your advice and BLOB on the cream next time
I did the dainty coverage (after only getting the port a few days ago, still tender). Thanks for the tip! Hope you are recovering well?
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We love the support you guys give each other on this thread! we want to send our good vibes and healing wishes to all of you who are going through, have gone through, or are due to go through chemotherapy.
(((Lots of hugs from the Mods)))
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Hey Jess - Hang in there! I hope you are feeling better today. I had nausea on day 4 and actually vomited, but felt better afterwards. Try not to eat spicy food on first week and small amounts each time. I love your positive attitude and how you and your daughter are getting thru this together.
Tabby girl - good luck today with your first treatment. Keeping you in my thoughts.
Over57 - welcome to the group. I bought a wig and picking it up tmrw. Still have my hair, but cut it shorter and May buzz it end of next week. I hear it takes a few weeks after first treatment to actually loose it, so holding on until then.
Wizard - glad to here your doing better. I still have a gassy stomach, but have turned to beeno before eating, seems to help.
LadyB - like your last post, and always can use encouragement. I will adjust sails and continue on with my new normal.
So many others that I can respond to. Glad to have this group. Keep being strong and we will all get thru this.
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go get em Tabbygirl! Thinking of you today! My personal motto (at least my rated G one) has been
"Just keep swim min'" (Dory from finding Nemo) : D
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Hi folks -
Been anxious to read your reports while monitoring how I feel. Its now 2 days past my first treatment and I get my first neulasta shot today. After today, I should be able to give the shots to myself - years ago I had to give myself some shots after I had a pulmonary embolism (if I can beat that, I can beat cancer!)
Probably over did it a bit yesterday taking walks, going pharmacy shopping, doing other work and not eating properly. By dinner time I felt a wave of nausea but when dinner was ready it helped a lot. So happy to not have to take steroids today, as I am having mini bouts of insomnia in part because I get up and pee at night a few times. My mouth is feeling drier but still manageable. We'll see how today goes. My brother helped me take a bunch of photos of my pottery so I'm gonna try and get some pieces up on my Etsy shop and then I'll post the link. Playing with my 2 cats is also keeping me laughing and relaxed.
Hang in there ladies - you are so strong and we can do this together!!
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Hi Ladies,
I hope you are all doing well and your SE's are few. First of all, I would like to say thank you to ladyb for starting this group. There are no words to describe how much you all have helped me. I've learned so much from you. I've discovered an inner strength I didn't know I had since joining this group. I went to see the NP yesterday, and as she was reviewing the medicines and SE's, I knew exactly what she was talking about thanks to you all....
Ladyb, I did find out I will have my first chemo treatment on the 21st of this month. Sorry I didn't get a chance to post this date prior to your updates. Thank you for all you do.
I also found out that I will have to have a port...I was hoping to avoid the port.
Catie, my cancer center offers 3 free Integrative Medicine therapy visits, my choice of Acupuncture, Massage, Reiki, Reflexology, etc. They also have a wig room, I can make an appointment to be fitted for a wig, free of charge. (I also received a prescription for a wig) And....they have a free monthly program for patients called Look Good....Feel Better. It's a hands on workshop with a certified cosmetologist. I am told by the NP that I will receive a make up kit worth about 200 bucks. The August workshop is on the 25th, I'm thinking that I might not be up to it if I have chemo on the 21st.
I'm in the process of planning my mom and stepdad's anniversary party. It's scheduled for the 31st of this month. I'm hoping that my hair doesn't fall out until after the party....it will be 10 days since chemo and from everything I've read, hair typically starts to fall out around day 14...
On another note, my mom is going to shave her head when my hair starts to fall out. I do NOT want my beautiful 75 year old mom shaving her head. She will not listen to me. I told her that shaving her head will not make me feel better. I don't want to look at her and be reminded of what my cancer made her do....anybody's comments on this issue would be greatly appreciated!
I think of you all every day and love reading what you have to say and what you're going thru. You make me strong. Holding hands with you all....we got this!
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